Smokescreens and Rumors Have Clouded the Lions Offseason Thus Far

A couple of recent reports in regards to potential personnel moves the Lions may make have generated a hue and cry, but will not likely amount to much. During Super Bowl week, there were some published rumors in regards to the Lions trading their number two overall 2007 first round draft pick for the Eagles QB Donovan McNabb. Obviously, if the Lions were going to receive the McNabb of seasons past in exchange for that draft pick, it might be worth pondering. The truth is, Donovan McNabb, capable leader that he is, is likely past his prime. That coupled with McNabb having to recover from two pretty severe injuries, each of which ended his last two seasons prematurely, leads me to believe that McNabb may never regain the ability he once possessed. Even if the Lions investigated such a possibility, how would they address the inordinate amount of salary cap money that they would have tied up in the QB position paying both McNabb and Jon Kitna to be starting QB's?

There was also some consternation expressed over recent comments made by Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz that they weren't considering drafting a QB in April's draft. Martz is megalomaniac. I do believe that he has enough faith in his offense that he believes that his system supercedes the talent and character of his starting QB. That being said, he is an excellent quarterback coach who would likely love nothing more than to generate more interest in his future services by developing another potential Pro Bowl QB. If anything, Martz's comments are a clear indication of the beginning of smokescreens being put into place, so that the Lions draft pick can remain a mystery. The Lions are not in any sort of position where they can exclude the best talent available in exchange for fulfilling immediate roster needs. The criticisms that have been tendered against Martz suggest that Martz's comments will effect the Lions ability to potentially trade down in the draft. I understand this premise, but it is awfully early in the process (the combines haven't happened yet) for any assumptions to be made about the April draft.

Here is my Lions 1st Round Draft Board (the players who would fit their roster needs)

1) OT Joe Thomas 2) WR Calvin Johnson 3) DE Jamaal Anderson 4) CB Darrelle Revis 5) LB Paul Pozluszny (if he were able to move to the middle)